A LOT of Portlanders are at risk of getting a ticket

First Bubonic Case in 8 Years

The Bubonic plague still exists, yes, and a central Oregon cat has died after likely contracting it, presumably from contact with a mouse, rat, or squirrel. The owner has the state’s first human case in eight years, but is being treated. Antibiotics are effective if the disease is caught early enough. [Oregonian 🔒]

Among Oregon’s Worst Droughts

For the last four years, Oregon had among the worst droughts in recorded history. That’s according to several measures, including that at this time last year, more than 80% of Oregon had “abnormally dry conditions.” Now it’s just 32%. 2023 had one of the best snowpacks in a generation, and recent rain storms have helped too. But it still takes multiple years to replenish reservoirs, so farmers and ranchers may still struggle to get enough water. [OPB]

School Board Blamed

After the teachers strike, more Oregonians fault the Portland Public Schools’ board for the missed school days than blame the Portland Association of Teachers: 28% of Oregonians view the PPS board more negatively while 10% view them more positively. At the same time, 22% view the union more positively while 20% see them more negatively. [OPB]

The Truth Behind the Portland Tattoo Stereotype

Portland has the fifth-highest number of tattoo shops per capita in the country. Toby Linwood, owner of Southeast Hawthorne’s Tattoo 34, talks to the City Cast Portland podcast about this Portland-weird subculture with its unwritten rules. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

An introduction (or reintroduction) today: It’s time for Wednesday’s “Where Is It?” segment, which is a scavenger hunt. I include a photo of a hopefully familiar spot and ask you to email me its location. I love it when readers share anecdotes and details. The first 10 readers to respond (correctly) will get a shoutout in next week’s newsletter.

Here’s the answer to last week’s:

“Insignia” is a three-dimensional representation of the Beaverton Police Department’s badge, featuring its motto “Courage, Compassion and Integrity.” The sculptures are stainless steel, with LED lights that change color. Here’s how one reader describes it:

“I love that they light the sculptures up at night. I smile every time I see them. They cast very cool shadows. Local Beaverton residents submitted words and phrases related to the BPD motto that were then incorporated into the sculptures.” — Kathy Silke

Here’s this week’s honor roll of the first 10 readers to respond: ​​Autumn Piersall, Cindy Romaine, Carole Sakai, Greg Lang, Randy Kornfield, Mike Fleishman, Brittani Wolfe, David S, Sheri Polito, and Victoria Fink.

Thank you again to reader Anita Carroll for last week’s photo. Which is a good time to remind you: No pressure, but if this is your idea of fun, email me a scavenger hunt photo for your fellow readers.

This week’s spot also came in that way. Thanks to Erica Blair for this week’s scavenger hunt:

Do you know where this is? Bonus points for anecdotes and other fun details: Maybe tell me if I should pay a visit. As always, email me your answer.

How to Behave in a Portland Tattoo Shop

Tattoos are an omnipresent Portland cliché. But it’s also true that many of us have them, and our city does have the fifth-highest number of tattoo shops per capita in the country. Toby Linwood, owner of Southeast Hawthorne’s Tattoo 34 (and fun fact: host Claudia Meza’s tattoo artist!), talks about this Portland-weird subculture with its unwritten rules.